MLB Division Series Pitching Matchups Heavily Favor Home Teams
The second round of the MLB postseason kicked off yesterday with all eight remaining teams in action, but a peculiar scheduling quirk has given home teams an added advantage. The four best division winners, who earned home-field advantage after a five-day layoff, will face road teams that sent their top pitchers to the hill on Tuesday.
According to Daniel R. Epstein, contributor for Forbes, "The road teams' decision to start with their fourth-best starters against their opponents' number ones means they'll be at a disadvantage in terms of pitching matchups." This strategy, known as "pitching on short rest," can be detrimental to a team's chances of winning.
In the American League Division Series (ALDS), the Houston Astros will face the Seattle Mariners, with Justin Verlander taking the mound for the Astros against Logan Gilbert. The New York Yankees will battle the Cleveland Guardians, with Gerrit Cole facing Shane Bieber. Meanwhile, in the National League Division Series (NLDS), the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the San Diego Padres, with Clayton Kershaw pitching against Yu Darvish.
The home teams' advantage is not just limited to their own starting rotations. They also have the benefit of playing on their home turf, where they can draw energy from their fans and take advantage of familiar surroundings. As Epstein noted, "Home-field advantage is always a significant factor in postseason series, but this year it's particularly pronounced due to the quirks of the schedule."
The road teams' decision to start with their fourth-best starters was likely influenced by their Wild Card round victories, which required them to send their top pitchers to the hill on short rest. However, this strategy may ultimately prove costly as they face more formidable opponents in the Division Series.
As the series progresses, fans can expect to see some thrilling matchups and potentially decisive games. The home teams will look to capitalize on their advantage, while the road teams will strive to overcome the challenges posed by pitching on short rest and facing tougher opponents.
The MLB postseason continues today with Game 2 of each series. The outcome of these games will determine which teams advance to the League Championship Series (LCS) and ultimately vie for a spot in the World Series.
Background:
The MLB postseason features eight teams competing in four best-of-five Division Series.
Home-field advantage is awarded to division winners, who earn a five-day layoff before their series begins.
Road teams that won their Wild Card round games sent their top pitchers to the hill on Tuesday, rather than starting with their fourth-best starters.
Current Status:
The Houston Astros lead the American League Division Series 1-0 against the Seattle Mariners.
The Los Angeles Dodgers trail the San Diego Padres 1-0 in the National League Division Series.
Next Developments:
Game 2 of each series will be played today, with the outcome determining which teams advance to the LCS.
*Reporting by Forbes.*
